light and lenses Flashcards
The use of lenses and mirrors for converging and diverging light
A concave mirror converges light to a focal point. For lenses, light converges to a point for a convex lens. A convex mirror diverges light, as does a concave lens.
Examples of diffuse and specular reflection.
Reflection off of smooth surfaces such as mirrors or a calm body of water leads to a type of reflection known as specular reflection.
Why is light refracted in water or glass?
light slows down when it passes from the less dense air into the denser glass or water.
Explain a method that could be used to start a fire with solar (Sun) energy and a lens.
focusing the glass for 50-60 seconds under the sun
Explain the difference between real and virtual images.
A real image is formed by the actual intersection of light rays whereas a virtual image is formed by the imaginary intersection of light rays.
Explain when real and virtual images form in a concave mirror.
Concave mirrors form both real and virtual images. When the concave mirror is placed very close to the object, a virtual and magnified image is obtained and if we increase the distance between the object and the mirror, the size of the image reduces and real images are formed.
